Suit to Saddle

To Kathy Meis, Shilah LaCoe, and the entire Bublish team: thank you for guiding me through the process with patience, professionalism, and honesty, and for discerning that my story was worth telling, especially during these challenging times.

I am grateful to John, who helped me think critically about chronicling my tale. “You have two complete journeys,” he said, “and I believe that they both deserve the attention of their own book.”

Lindsay, editor and influencer, pulled me along with grace and wisdom from the first to the final draft. Thank you.

To all my friends who inspired me to keep writing when I had my doubts: thank you!

To Juliette Fredericks, who brought Suit to Saddle to life with a gripping, attention-grabbing cover: I am grateful for your efforts and for your sharing of your artistic talents.

To the four best bros, Tim, Dan, Dennis, and Kevin, for keeping each other young at heart, in spirit, and occasionally testing our competitive edge on the basketball court. We are fortunate to have Mom and Dad.

And to my loving children, Tara, Jaclyn, and Brian: there is nothing that gives me greater satisfaction than being your dad.

Finally, to Kelley—my wife, best friend, and confidant—your patience, perspective, love, and support during my difficult days helped me see the value in sharing my story, to pay it forward.